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Trends & Construction Costs
Costs On The Rise
With the depressed housing market undercutting demand for several construction-pipe products,
prices are moving mostly in step with basic commodity-price trends. The recent surge in steel
costs has given a boost to prices for both ductile-iron and corrugated-steel pipe. Prices for
8-in.-dia. DIP are up 11% for the year. On the other hand, weak cement prices have helped
temper reinforced-concrete pipe prices, which are up about 2% for the year. Prices for sewer and water PVC pipe are up 1% over 2007.
Building Cost Index
Higher steel prices had a major impact on the BCI, helping to push it up 2% for the month of September
and 6.5% for the year.
Materials Cost Index
Virtually all of this year's 11.4% increase in the MCI comes from the strong 20.3% increase in steel prices. |
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On the Drawing Board
We hope everyone had a great summer and didn't get rained out too often. We're hard at work on the Department of Conservation and Recreation District Offices with Beacon Architectural Associates, the Harvard University Ceramic Art Studio Relocation, Solomon Schechter School Renovation in Newton with DRA Architects, and the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Pennsylvania with The LA Group. |
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Feature Article: The LA Group of Saratoga Springs, NY
We like to feature clients as guest authors from time to time, and this month we're featuring the LA Group, with whom we've been working for many years. We're currently providing cost estimates for the LA Group on Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Pennsylvania, and will be working on the next phase of the Veterans Administration Cemetery in Bourne.
by Joseph G. Sporko, RLA, ASLA, Managing Partner of The LA Group
The LA Group, Landscape Architecture and Engineering, P.C., is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) design firm that provides environmental analysis, land planning, and civil engineering for public space planning, colleges and institutions, government projects, parks and recreational facilities, and private initiatives. Founded in 1974, The LA Group has an established reputation for excellence, which is reflected in the number of continuing client relationships, and numerous awards for design excellence.
However, as I write this article on September 11th, the heroes of our great nation are on my mind. The LA Group has become one of the nation's preeminent design firms known for the design of National and State Veterans' Cemeteries.
Our technical knowledge is balanced with our ability to work with a site's natural features, the vernacular of the region, and the area's history, culture, and ecology, to create a place of honor for our nation's veterans and their families. More than a burial ground, veterans' cemeteries stand as a symbol of respect for the individuals who have served our country.
Since the mid-1990s, The LA Group has been awarded the design of many new National and State Veterans' Cemeteries such as the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in the Town of Saratoga, New York. The selected project site was located near the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of the Battle of Saratoga. By blending the local rural vernacular, the history of the region, and modern cemetery planning principles with the Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines, the LA Group designed a place of rest as a symbol of honor and dignity for our veterans and their families.
Moved by the experience of serving our country in this way, our firm developed a group dedicated to the design of National and State Veterans' Cemeteries along with other government-related projects. This group's growth over the years included the design of 28 Veterans' Cemeteries throughout the country.
The LA Group has worked with several other government agencies, providing cost effective and timely services for the National Park Service, Northeast Region; USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region; the Department of Labor; and the Army Corps of Engineers. One project of particular interest was the Arlington National Cemetery Millennium Site Expansion for this infamous National Shrine. We are most honored to be a part of the team charged with the expansion of this hallowed ground.
Obviously, cost accuracy and timeliness of project delivery are two very important factors when working with the taxpayer's money. By working very closely with cost estimators such as CostPro, our projects come in on budget. The LA Group has worked hard to earn our reputation of providing quality work within budget, and believe this is one of the reasons why we enjoy so many repeat clients.
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Trivia Contest
This month's questions:
1) The Empire State Building is one of the tallest buildings in the world and has seen some thirty people leap to their deaths from its heights. At least two would-be suicides survived their attempts from the building. How were they saved?
2) The skeleton of the Statue of Liberty is made of:
a) Cast Iron
b) Steel
c) Wrought Iron
d) Copper
The first person to answer both questions correctly will receive a $20 gift card to Yankee Candle.
Last month's answers:
What is the space inside a pediment called?
Tympanum
Which architect designed the Lloyds Building? (London, England)
Richard Rogers
Between 1978-1986 Lloyds Building was built. It features the trademark of Rogers, putting service elements like vents and elevators, which are usually hidden, out for all to see.
Congratulations to Marc Prufer of Guzman-Prufer Architects, for being the first to answer both correctly.
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Our Estimator Off to Orlando For FEMA
One of our valued estimators, Andrew Merolla, has accepted a 90-day assignment as a FEMA Project Officer/Cost Estimator in the Orlando, Florida area. He will be helping applicants determine their eligibility for the cost of repairing damages from Hurricane Fay. He will be departing next week.
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